Winter can be a challenging time for many, with the shorter days and sudden drop in temperature impacting our mood and wellbeing. Read our tips below to help you keep on top of things and navigate this season with care.
1. Stick to a daily routine: The darker mornings and early evenings make it harder to keep to your usual routine, but sticking to a regular structure will keep you motivated and productive.
2. Get outside: The lack of sunlight means that many of us aren’t getting the required amount of Vitamin D. Even just 10 minutes of fresh air will benefit your mind and body.
3. Fuel your body: In between social events, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re eating healthy, balanced meals. This will support your immune system as it fights off colds.
4. Stay connected: Feelings of loneliness are common in winter, as many lack the energy to go out and meet with friends. Checking in with loved ones over the phone, online or in person will help you to feel more connected – why not schedule a weekly call?
5. Practise mindfulness: Activities such as journalling, breathwork and meditation are great for maintaining mental clarity and managing your stress levels. Headspace and Calm are some free apps that are available to guide you.
6. Be creative: Set aside time each week for a hobby you enjoy. As well as keeping your mind stimulated, this will give you things to look forward to, release endorphins and combat stress.
Sources: https://mhfaengland.org/, https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/, https://www.healthassured.org/
Black MondayOn 19 October 1987, the stock markets experienced a dramatic plunge that prompted many firms to shut down their trading desks and turn off their phones to minimize internal losses. Raymond James refused to do the same. Our desks stayed open to help meet clients’ needs, resulting in our first and only unprofitable quarter since the firm went public in 1983. |
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Who was Raymond James?The Raymond in our name is actually from Edward Raymond, owner of a 15-employee mutual fund sales group, Raymond and Associates, along Florida’s west coast. He sold his company to Bob James on 15 July 1964, on condition that the surviving firm be called Raymond, James & Associates. Three days after the sale, Ed Raymond was involved in a near-fatal automobile accident and never joined the firm. Nonetheless, even after Raymond had passed away, Bob James insisted that his name remain on the door – ahead of James’ own. That was a promise he made to Ed Raymond three days before the accident, and Bob James was a man who kept his promises. |
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Bear Market of 1974The severe bear market of 1974 threatened the existence of Raymond James, which was bleeding capital by the day. Tom James, his father and other leaders took extreme measures to keep the firm afloat, slashing costs, foregoing paychecks and even attempting to sell the firm for just enough capital to protect client assets and retain as many associates as possible. The story could have ended very differently if not for a sharp upturn and continued rebound in the stock markets late in the year. |
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Taking Raymond James PublicWhen consideration was being given to taking Raymond James public, Tom James penned a letter to shareholders (largely employees at the time). ” … the public offering should be considered as a statement of our independence. While this is a psychological rather than an economic rationale, it is nonetheless very important. We have asserted for some time that we are not interested in becoming a small part of a very large corporation. That assertion results mainly from the inclinations of management rather than the economic benefits associated with either alternative. The public stock offering affords us the opportunity to enjoy a little bit of the best of both worlds. While shareholders will be given liquidity at fair market value, we will still have the ability to control our own destiny.” After 40+ years of Tom’s leadership, upon becoming CEO, Paul Reilly was often questioned about whether the company might ultimately surrender its cherished independence and be acquired by some larger entity. His response: “Not while I’m around.” It’s a theme that continues today. |
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